Greece Leads Euro Area in Cash Acceptance with 99% of Businesses Still Taking Cash

Greece has emerged as the most cash-friendly country in the euro area, according to new data from the European Central Bank. A staggering 99% of businesses in Greece continue to accept cash, a figure that matches Italy's rate and is significantly higher than the euro area average of 92%. This trend is evident across various industries, with retailers reporting an even stronger result, with 100% saying they accept cash.

More than 8,200 companies across the euro area were interviewed by telephone between February and April 2026. The findings come from the ECB's latest survey on businesses' use of cash. Greek companies are not alone in their attachment to cash, but they do stand out among their peers. Around 23% of Greek companies expressed uncertainty about whether they would continue accepting cash over the next five years.

Meanwhile, digital payment methods continue to gain ground across the euro area. Card payments were accepted by 88% of businesses in 2026, compared with 87% in 2024. Mobile payments saw a significant increase, nearly doubling from 36% to 68%, making instant payments and digital wallets among the most widely accepted mobile payment options.